temperamental

adjective

ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce temperamental (audio)
Definition of temperamentalnext
1
as in moody
frequently influenced by moods and especially bad moods one of those temperamental actresses who can make life difficult for everyone around her

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly stock prices have been pretty temperamental lately, often fluctuating wildly

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of temperamental As the lead singer of Connect 3, Shane can be temperamental and arrogant. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 Ormund, the snooty, temperamental head of House Hightower, is shown charred beyond recognition in the episode's final moments. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 The temperamental Moon in your 11th House of Friends squares passionate Mars in your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources, stirring tension around trust, contribution, and control. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026 The guest rooms felt dated, the vintage plumbing was temperamental, and the noisy window air-conditioning units distracted from the historic charm. — Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperamental
  1. moody
  2. volatile
  3. impulsive
  4. unpredictable
  5. unstable
Adjective
  • Guest rooms and suites are done up in moody shades of blue, and dining options include a sunny conservatory and a clubby dining room.
    — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Believe it or not, this white faux leather flip-flop will perfectly contrast the moody fall colors in your wardrobe, making for a less basic outfit.
    — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of moody
Adjective
  • Core personal consumption expenditures, which exclude the volatile costs of food and energy, have continued to rise.
    — Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Silver also tends to be more volatile than gold because of its significant industrial demand.
    — Amy DeYoung, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of volatile
Adjective
  • The Moon conjoins impulsive Mars, bringing more emotion into decisions about money, possessions, and personal priorities.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Madrigal will play Dan, James’ divorced best friend whose plans for single life are derailed by James and Jeanie’s impulsive wedding.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of impulsive
Adjective
  • After all, that was the group that revolutionized last year’s offense from strong but static to unpredictable and setting a league-wide trend with 13 personnel and dominated on play-action and in the run game with defenses consistently compromised.
    — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Still, markets are nervous, and experts have described the Houthis as highly unpredictable.
    — Fatma Khaled, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who accompanied the national police chief in serving the warrant to Romualdez, said he was admitted to a Manila hospital Monday afternoon due to unstable blood pressure and anxiety attack.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
  • As Anna covers for Fyodor’s addiction and increasingly unstable professional behavior, her devotion starts to look poisonous for them both.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of unstable

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Cite this Entry

“Temperamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperamental. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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